Anita Preininger

Preininger’s innovative teaching idea, “Interdisciplinary Science,” involves students selecting a project, such as synthesis and characterization of antibiotic compounds, which will be tested in terms of their ability to inhibit bacterial growth. This project and others like it will involve work from chemistry, biology, and may also cross into other sciences. Students will work in collaborative groups, using a guided inquiry approach to hands-on investigation. Students will apply all steps of the scientific method and experience the iterative nature of research. Upon completion of their study, students will present their results orally and in writing, using their critical thinking skills, scientific literacy, and cross-cutting concepts in science. This approach is designed to allow the students to fully develop their ideas. They will then propose uses for their results in terms of new ideas and future projects. The overall goal for this experience is for students to see themselves as active participants in scientific discovery.